3 Reasons why Ole Gunnar Solskjaer should try playing in a 3-5-2 formation

#2 Ensuring width and potency in the midfield

Luke Shaw has regained his place back in the side

United’s fullbacks Ashley Young and Luke Shaw are fast and good crossers. They also play as wingbacks for the English national team and therefore, are used to playing in a 3-5-2.

Shaw has been one of the better players for United in a disappointing season so far. Antonio Valencia and Matteo Darmian, the other fullbacks in the squad, should also have no problem playing as wingbacks.

The wingbacks would be able to provide the much-needed pace and width to the United midfield that has looked lacklustre for most of the season so far.

Also, Jesse Lingard is no winger and should not be played as one as he does not have the necessary dribbling or crossing skills to play in that position. He would be more comfortable playing as a central midfielder in a 3-5-2 that would not require him to very fast and allow him to give himself time to play those through balls.

Matic would play the holding role and also make forays to the opposition half occasionally, whereas Paul Pogba can be the other central midfielder. This would also allow Pogba to play in an advanced role and United have always looked a better team when Pogba has carried the ball into the opposition box.